SARTENEJA HOMESTAY GROUP

Sarteneja was originally a Maya village, squeezed between jungle and sea. It’s now mainly populated with the descendants from the Mestizos from the Yucatan, who repopulated the area after the Cast War.

Sarteneja is a peaceful traditional fishermen community, unspoiled by mass-tourism. This healthy environment between the bay that gives resources and the forest (where are the milpas = gardens) offer protection to the people.

Accessible by bus and boat Sarteneja is out of the main path and that’s why it’s still peaceful.

Accommodations in town We Support the Homestay Program in Sarteneja with the SACD and promote local initiatives in tourism rather than europeans or north-americans new arriving businness. We shoud help the people of Belize to find their own way for a sustainable tourism from which they can benefit on a long term basis.Phone: 669-4911 or 423-2677 Email : info@sartenejatours.com

From the Maya “Tzaten-a-ha” or “give me the water,” Sarteneja was named after the 13 Maya wells found in the area, carved into limestone bedrock and providing potable water. This picturesque fishing village in the northeast corner of Belize was first established by the Maya as an important trading area. It is thought to have been occupied from 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D., and gold, copper, and shells continue to turn up in the area.

Mexican refugees from the Yucatán Caste Wars settled here in the mid-19th century, again attracted by the availability of drinking water. The village took a pounding from Hurricane Janet in 1955 but rebounded and became known for its boat builders and free-diving lobster and conch fishermen.

Today, 80 percent of Sarteneja’s households remain reliant on the resources of the Belize Reef. Tourism is just barely creeping in, and Sarteneja offers one of the more off-the-beaten-path experiences in the country. Located on Corozal Bay, it is a well-kept secret in Belize, and few tourists have heard about its breathtaking sunsets, sportfishing, and importance as a protected area for manatees [1] and bird nesting colonies (in the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary).

It is also known for the annual regatta that takes place each Easter, with newly painted sailboats of the artisan fishing fleet, crewed by local fishermen, racing against each other in a tradition that has continued since 1950. During fishing season, these boats dock in Belize City [2], by the Swing Bridge.

With access to nearby Maya sites and ties to the Barrier Reef at Bacalar Chico [3], Sarteneja has a lot to offer the adventurous tourist in search of the real Belize. The community is aware of its resources, and community groups have joined forces to form the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development. Local fishermen, now trained as tour guides, offer a number of guided tours—both marine and inland.

Sarteneja is also the location of the Manatee Rehabilitation Centre, run by Wildtracks, a local NGO, which takes in and rehabilitates orphan manatee calves as part of a national program to protect this threatened species. The center isn’t open to visitors unless by special agreement—check with the Sarteneja Tour Guide Association for details. The region can get pretty buggy, so take precautions.

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ROOM DESCRIPTION

Accommodations and Food Most accommodations, eateries, and bars can be found along Front Street, abutting the sea and dock. A homestay program is being started by the Sarteneja Tour Guide Association; the office is located on the seafront. They can help visitors find licensed local tour guides.

BACKPACKERS PARADISE Is located right outside Sarteneja; it’s a funky, laid-back, rustic, and friendly hangout where accommodations range from campgrounds (US$3.50 pp) to a few private cabanas (US$10–17.50). The on-site restaurant serves up wonderful and cheap dishes, including crepes made by the Vietnamese/French proprietress. Wireless Internet access access is available for a fee; bicycles, horses, and guided day trips are available as well.

FERNANDO'S SEASIDE GUEST HOUSE - (tel. 501/423-2085)Has rooms with private bath (and optional air-conditioning); a larger cabana is also available. Like most folks in Sarteneja, the owner, Fernando Alamilla, was once a full-time fisherman who used to sail and fish for up to 10 days at a time.

CANDELIE'S SUNSET CABANAS (tel.501/423-2005/660-8795, candeliescabanas@yahoo.com With three well-appointed cabins with air-conditioning, double beds, cots, and beer fridge. The neighboring Krisamis Hotel is managed by the same family.

RITCHIE'S PLACE - (Front Street, tel. 501/423-2031) Has a good selection of fresh dishes, prepared by his wife, featuring fish empanadas. Owner Ritchie Cruz will also arrange fishing trips. Liz’s Fast Food, two streets back from the seafront, serves tasty, traditional food in a friendly, snack-stall setting: tacos, empanadas, and garnaches, as well as rice and beans. The homemade horchata (rice-based drink) is well worth trying.